Our attachments in this world
Can we truly bear to let go?
Like the missing pages from the torn book,
And the willow shedding its tears

Each life around is purposeful
Yet each life around vanishes so easily
How the children wail
How the dogs lament.

What day of age is it today
That mankind's memory of
Time and honour is lost.

What can be done?
Oh how the dogs cry!

Butter and Sugar Thosai

Honestly, I have lived in the Northern part of Singapore for almost 10 years and never once did I discover and savour the excellent Roti Pratas and Thosais served at D’ Rubinah Restaurant.

Well, my conquest to discovery was nothing but a mere chance that after a magnificent dinner at Aston’s Specialties, I wanted to have dessert which was cheap yet good. Looking past the all popular Japanese Sweet Shop “Ministry of Food”, and the usual Kopitiam, my buddies and I went scouting the area around Sembawang Shopping Centre.

I don’t know how much we can eat but that sudden urge for Roti Pratas started to emerge. I have often noticed D’ Rubinah Restaurant and I do know they serve Pratas and Thosais, but never did I imagine it would be that good and almost comparable to the masters of the dish located in Little India and various parts of Singapore.

The order of Butter and Sugar Thosai proved that pancakes do go well with Indian spices and dips, Asian Style. I particularly enjoyed the crispy portions of the Thosai and once the butter and sugar kicked in, together with the all savoury Dahl, mmmm – Fabulous.

Butter and Sugar Thosai : $1.50 per pc     Rating : 4/5

Paper Thosai – Extremely Crispy and Fragrant

Now the Paper Thosai and its cousin the Roti Tissue are perhaps some of the more newly created varieties. Once again, I have noticed the emergence of these two types of servings but I have yet to try them out until now (Gawd…what have I been missing out in life!).

So for me, the freshman at trying out Paper Thosai and Roti Tissue, I must say both of them were very good. Perhaps I merely bought it out of sheer fancy, but it is without doubt bound to raise a solid discussion over the table on how one could use them as Party Hats – only edible.

The Paper Thosai is just like any other ordinary Thosai except with it being very very very very crispy. Did I say “very” 4 or 5 times? I don’t know how other places serve it but for my first time, this is one dish that deserves a 4 out of 5.

Paper Thosai : $2.50     Rating : 4/5

Roti Tissue – Sweet, Crispy, Delectable

Roti Tissue, as the name suggest is made from Tissues. Just joking. But the normal prata dough (or maybe it is even some sort of secret recipe) has been stretch to its limits that it is almost translucent. Without doubt it is crispy, but the more surprising factor comes from the sweet drizzle of honey/corn syrup all over it.

Once again pair it with your dish of fish curry and I am sure you are bound to say, “Sugar and Spice is Everything Nice”

Roti Tissue : $2.50    Rating : 3.5/5

Freshly Made Garlic Naan

I seldom go after Nuns Naans as the ones I have found (maybe I am just unlucky) are usually premade and cold. What impressed me for the Garlic Naan served here is that the moment the dish arrived at our table, the fragrant whiff of warm garlic tingled our noses.

The presentation of the Naan being toasted a lovely brown only served to make my mouth water even more! Mmmmm, I am tingling with excitement!

However, I must add that the dips accompanied are not really spicy enough – so please, a little more spice in my life? Please?

Garlic Naan : $2.50      Rating : 3.5/5

Milo Dinosaur – Rawr!     

Now come on, which journey to your local coffeeshop will be complete without the traditional Milo Dinosaur. For all out there who are still living in the Dinosaur era or have yet to discover this little concoction, Milo Dinosaur is as the name suggest Milo (a chocolate drink) served iced and with Milo Powder heaped generously on the top.

Hmmm, but I do wonder why my Milo Dinosaur had that little hint of ginger sweetness…

All in all, D Rubinah Restaurant is certainly one place you won’t want to miss out if you are in the Northern/Sembawang Area. I know there are the more famous ones such as Prata King and its competitors located around the Thomson Area, but hey if you have the craving for good Indian food, why not try out D Rubinah’s

Nearest Landmark : Sembawang Shopping Centre. Restaurant is located next to Caltex Petrol Station.

Grillworks Chicken – Hickory BBQ

Good Western dining at value for money prices, located in a comfortable air-conditioned restaurant with quality service and hygiene is perhaps what Aston’s Specialties can be summed up to be.

So far, I have tried the Grillworks Chicken dishes, Fisherman’s Pride, and a couple of Hot/Cold Side Dishes. And I must say I was rather impressed.

A major plus point of the chicken is that the pieces are juicy, tender, leaving a savoury taste in your mouth. Drizzled generously with the sauce provided, it almost seems like a match made in heaven. What’s best is that if you think you are one of the few who simply must lather the meat with overflowing saucy goodness, simply request for more sauce. 

Grillworks Chicken – Black Pepper with side servings of Coleslaw and Mashed Potatoes 

For most of the Grillworks Chicken dishes, the only difference is the sauces poured on it. To me, I found the Black Pepper variant a little sweet but that is without saying its spiciness is just right. The Hickory BBQ sauce was not really fantastic but if you yearn for that good old fashioned smoky taste, the Hickory BBQ Chicken might just be the one for you.

Black Pepper/ Hickory BBQ Chicken : $6.50      Rating : 4/5

Crispy Fried Fish – I must say this is very good! 

Surprise Surprise! Despite the restaurant being an almost all meat paradise, the Crispy Fried Fish (their version of the popular and traditional Fish and Chips) is just as good. I particularly enjoyed the nicely crumbed crust which gave that extra crunch in each bite. What’s more exciting is that after you get through the first bite, the sweetness of the fish flows into your mouth.

By all means, that is a perfect combination whipped up by the chef.

Crispy Fried Fish : $7.20      Rating : 4/5

Well for each set you order, you will be able to choose 2 side dishes. So far, I have tried the Coleslaw, mashed potato, french fries and the baked potato. But to what I feel, if you go there, try their coleslaw. Each bite gives that lovely crunch ( a sign of fresh vegetables ) and it is also not overly creamy. There is also another side dish by the name of Tasty Rice. Hmmm, I wonder how tasty it really is.

There is definitely more to try at Astons Specialties, and so far I have been impressed. If the chicken and fish dishes are already at that standard, will it be the same for their Steaks and Chops? Well, till my wallet is full again, Aston’s just wait for me.

For more information visit : www.astons.com.sg 

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Butterfly pollinating flower – A beauty in a standstill 

Today is the eve of the Lunar New Year and like any true blue Singaporean, my mum went for a last dash to secure some more flowers to decorate my grandma’s house. Well at the flower garden, or rather the pasar malam flower shop lookalike, I noticed plenty of butterflies flying around in a sort of flying manner. The feeling that one gets is almost inspirational and obviously I had to retain a snapshot of such memorable moments.

And as you can see from above, I managed to take a shot of a butterfly pollinating a particular flower. How nature seemingly pauses for the moment in time – truly remarkable.

Enough about nature, I think the more fun part about this post is about the Hong Kong delights I discovered at the Wan Chai Hong Kong Teahouse at the newly opened Sembawang Shopping Centre.

Boiled dumplings in soy and chilli oil

I tried out a variety of dishes and some of which I must recommend are the Boiled dumplings in soy and chilli oil, Braised beef brisket and tendon and the Deep fried eggplant with pork floss.

The boiled dumplings in soy and chilli oil proved to be a favourite of mine. I enjoyed the richness and freshness of the filling within and with the chilli oil smothered generously over the tender dumpling skin, it was the zenith in every bite.

Price : $6.80 for 5 pieces     Rating : 4/5

Braised Beef Brisket and Tendon

Its not everyday that one would come across a shop selling braised beef brisket, but this particular one I sampled at Wan Chai was close to marvelous. Now I chose the phrase ‘close to marvelous’ is not because the dish did not hit the spot,but I found the broth to be a tad too salty. Other than that, the serving was generous and plentiful.

For the price of $9.80, and couple it with a bowl of white rice, yummy!

Rating : 4/5      Price : $9.80

Deep Fried Eggplant with Pork Floss

Unique creation on the alert! For you eggplant lovers, you will enjoy this tasty serving of mouthwatering eggplant in a crispy skin with delectable pork floss drizzled all over.

However being a simple dish priced at $6.00 is perhaps in my opinion a little too expensive. But considering the fact that most vegetable dishes at restaurants are $$$, this variant might just be another alternative for you.

Price : $6.00     Rating : 3.5/5

With about 4 other outlets scattered across Singapore, Wan Chai Hong Kong Teahouse might just be the next upcoming quick casual Chinese dining for the younger and young at heart generation. There are more delicacies offered such as the more popular Baked Cheese Rice/noodles (but which in my own opinion deserve better treatment from the chef) Other than that, Wan Chai Hong Kong Teahouse is definitely an establishment I will return to every now and then for affordable Chinese/Cantonese cuisine.